SITE TRAININGS

During our very first interviews with the sister missionaries, we learned that they had been challenged to elevate their communication with others by not using some commonly used slang words like “cool,” “awesome”, and “you guys”.   The first time we used these slang words they gasped and told us about the invitation they had received.  Despite being aware of this "rule" we were both surprised with how many times we used these words, and the sisters seemed to delight each time we slipped-up.  Soon they wanted to know if we were going to change this little “rule.”  After giving it some thought, and not wanting to lose what our predecessors had started, we decided to try and build upon it.  We discussed some of the principles behind elevating our speech as well as encouraging them to set their own personal goals and invited them to self-govern in this area.  

Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone; 

But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on, 

Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea. 

And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;

But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,

Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave

Till you wouldn’t believe the volume of the one kind word you gave. 

(Part of a poem by James Wm. Foley, Am. Journalist, 1973-2014)

We talked with the sisters about the power of our words, elevating our speech, and the importance of developing our mission language.  We usually think of missionaries serving the Church for 18 months or for two years but in reality, we are each serving a life long earthly mission.  And since we are actually spiritual beings having an earthly experience and not earthly beings trying to have a spiritual experience, we should ask ourselves, “What is our native language, our mission language?”   I believe God, as our Father, speaks the language of love. And He conveys his love to us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, love is our native language and should be our mission language.